{"id":4304,"date":"2025-11-13T10:04:48","date_gmt":"2025-11-13T10:04:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/skenes-dunne-cy-young\/"},"modified":"2025-11-13T10:04:48","modified_gmt":"2025-11-13T10:04:48","slug":"skenes-dunne-cy-young","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/skenes-dunne-cy-young\/","title":{"rendered":"Skenes, Dunne Keep Cool as Pirates Ace Wins 2025 NL Cy Young"},"content":{"rendered":"<article>\n<p>Paul Skenes was named the 2025 National League Cy Young on Nov. 12, 2025, and celebrated the honor alongside girlfriend Olivia \u201cLivvy\u201d Dunne in a subdued, polished moment that played out on social media. The unanimous vote capped a season in which Skenes posted a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts, 11 homers allowed and 42 walks across 32 starts. Dunne\u2014an influencer and former LSU gymnast\u2014shared behind-the-scenes glimpses from the celebration while the pitcher\u2019s family and nearby guests cheered. The scene contrasted with last season\u2019s reaction when Skenes won NL Rookie of the Year, a difference that drew attention online.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Unanimous 2025 NL Cy Young: Paul Skenes won by unanimous vote on Nov. 12, 2025.<\/li>\n<li>Dominant season stats: Skenes posted a 1.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, 11 home runs allowed and 42 walks in 32 starts.<\/li>\n<li>Public reaction: Olivia Dunne posted celebration photos and clips, including a party spread and a lighted \u201c2025 CY YOUNG\u201d sign.<\/li>\n<li>Contrast with 2024: Observers noted a calmer, more composed reaction than when Skenes claimed NL Rookie of the Year last season.<\/li>\n<li>MLB amplified the moment: MLB\u2019s official X account highlighted the different reactions, increasing visibility across platforms.<\/li>\n<li>Personal history: Skenes and Dunne began dating in college; Skenes confirmed the relationship in August 2023 to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Background<\/h2>\n<p>Paul Skenes arrived in the majors in 2024 and quickly became one of baseball\u2019s most-followed young pitchers, blending high-velocity stuff with advanced command. His rapid ascent made him a focal point for both traditional sports coverage and social-media communities, boosting attention on personal milestones as well as on-field performance. Olivia Dunne built a large online following during and after her gymnastics career at LSU, and her posts routinely draw attention that overlaps with Skenes\u2019s baseball coverage. That combination\u2014an elite young athlete and a high-profile partner\u2014has amplified routine moments like award nights into viral social-media moments.<\/p>\n<p>The Cy Young Award is given annually to the top pitcher in each league; winning it unanimously is rare and signals broad recognition from voters. Skenes\u2019s 2025 season statistics placed him among the elite starters by ERA and strikeout totals, and his run prevention figures helped the Pirates contend in the National League standings. The couple\u2019s relationship traces back to their college years, and Skenes publicly confirmed they were an item in an August 2023 interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. That personal history \u2014 combined with a high-profile awards ceremony \u2014 set the stage for the widely shared celebration earlier this week.<\/p>\n<h2>Main Event<\/h2>\n<p>The announcement came on the evening of Nov. 12, 2025; when Skenes\u2019s name was declared, he pumped his fist and broke into a wide grin before embracing Dunne amid applause. Friends and family at the party erupted in cheers, and Dunne posted multiple items to her social channels documenting the moment and the post-ceremony gathering. Visuals from the celebration included a cake adorned with Pittsburgh Pirates logos, jersey-shaped cookies bearing Skenes\u2019s name and a marquee-style sign spelling out \u201c2025 CY YOUNG.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Social platforms amplified small details: Dunne reposted the official MLB announcement and added the caption \u201cmuch excitement,\u201d and she shared photos of Skenes smiling with a champagne bottle in each hand in front of the illuminated sign. MLB\u2019s official X account also commented, contrasting this celebration with the couple\u2019s previously viral reaction to his Rookie of the Year recognition. Those reactions fueled broader conversation about how public figures curate celebratory moments for followers and the press.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond the social-media attention, the award reflected a statistical season that was difficult for opponents. Over 32 starts Skenes allowed only 11 home runs and issued 42 walks, limiting big innings and converting strikeout ability into consistent run suppression. Voters rewarded that combination, resulting in a unanimous selection that placed Skenes atop the list of NL pitchers for 2025. The night\u2019s subdued but joyful tone underlined both a personal milestone and a professional validation for the young ace.<\/p>\n<h2>Analysis &#038; Implications<\/h2>\n<p>Skenes\u2019s unanimous selection signals more than a single-season accomplishment; it changes how teams and market observers evaluate front-of-rotation pitchers entering free agency cycles and arbitration. A 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts over 32 starts places him in rarefied company and strengthens the Pirates\u2019 long-term planning around retaining top pitching talent. For Pittsburgh, having a recognized ace boosts the club\u2019s on-field credibility and its commercial profile, potentially increasing ticket demand and sponsorship interest.<\/p>\n<p>The social-media component matters for revenue and brand-building. Dunne\u2019s large following brings additional exposure to Skenes and the Pirates, and the couple\u2019s posts generate impressions that traditional game highlights alone may not. That attention can bolster merchandise sales and extend the team\u2019s reach to demographics that consume sports primarily via influencer channels. Teams increasingly factor this intersection of performance and personality into promotional strategies.<\/p>\n<p>On the field, opposing clubs will adjust scouting and preparation to account for Skenes\u2019s pitch mix and command. A season with low home-run totals and strong strikeout rates suggests a pitcher capable of limiting damage in high-leverage situations, increasing the Pirates\u2019 odds in one-run games and late-inning scenarios. For the player, the Cy Young can affect future contract conversations and the expectations placed on him by coaches, media and fans.<\/p>\n<h2>Comparison &#038; Data<\/h2>\n<figure>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th>Statistic<\/th>\n<th>2025<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>ERA<\/td>\n<td>1.97<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Strikeouts<\/td>\n<td>216<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Home runs allowed<\/td>\n<td>11<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Walks<\/td>\n<td>42<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Starts<\/td>\n<td>32<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/figure>\n<p>The table above summarizes the core metrics cited in the award announcement and social coverage. Those numbers highlight Skenes\u2019s ability to generate swings-and-misses while minimizing the long ball and free passes. Compared with league-average starters, a sub-2.00 ERA and a K total north of 200 are outlier achievements that typically correlate with top-voted pitching awards. Clubs and analysts will use these empirical markers when projecting his future role and market value.<\/p>\n<h2>Reactions &#038; Quotes<\/h2>\n<p>Observers on social media noted the contrast between Skenes\u2019s composed reaction this year and the more exuberant clip that circulated after his Rookie of the Year honor. That contrast became a talking point for sports accounts and commentators, who framed it as growth and comfort in the spotlight.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cMuch excitement.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite>Olivia Dunne, Instagram story<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>Dunne\u2019s short caption accompanied a repost of the official announcement and a series of celebration images, which fans and media quickly reshared. The clarity and brevity of her post amplified the moment without dominating the narrative.<\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p>\u201cA different energy this year \u2014 all smiles and family.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><cite>MLB social post, MLB\/X<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p>MLB\u2019s official social channels highlighted the composure on display and contrasted it with prior viral moments, increasing engagement and bringing the clip to a wider audience. Team members and attendees added spontaneous applause and congratulations as Skenes posed with his family and the celebratory signage.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<details>\n<summary>Explainer: What the Cy Young represents<\/summary>\n<p>The Cy Young Award is presented annually to the best pitcher in each major league, voted on by members of the Baseball Writers\u2019 Association of America. Unanimous selections occur when all voting members rank the same pitcher first, a signal of overwhelming consensus. Voters consider traditional metrics (ERA, wins) and advanced measures (strikeout rate, walk rate, home-run rate) when making their choices. For a young player, a Cy Young can dramatically affect reputation, arbitration leverage and long-term contract negotiations. In-season durability\u2014measured by starts and innings pitched\u2014is also an important factor for voters.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/aside>\n<h2>Unconfirmed<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Some social posts and secondary write-ups referenced a 2024 \u201cAL Rookie of the Year\u201d moment; that phrasing appears inconsistent with other reports noting an NL Rookie of the Year recognition last season and should be treated as unverified or a reporting error.<\/li>\n<li>While party details (cookies, cake, signage) were shared by Dunne on social platforms, external verification beyond those social posts is limited and relies on the account holders\u2019 disclosures.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Bottom Line<\/h2>\n<p>Paul Skenes\u2019s unanimous Cy Young win on Nov. 12, 2025, cements his status as the National League\u2019s top pitcher for the season and marks a major milestone early in his career. The statistical foundation\u20141.97 ERA, 216 strikeouts, only 11 homers and 42 walks in 32 starts\u2014offers a clear, measurable rationale for the award and a basis for future expectations. The public celebration with Olivia Dunne combined personal significance with broad social reach, making the night both a private milestone and a widely shared cultural moment.<\/p>\n<p>For the Pirates, the accolade strengthens the franchise\u2019s pitching narrative and provides marketing opportunities tied to a marquee player. For Skenes, the recognition will influence how teams prepare for him, how front offices assess his future contract value and how fans remember the early arc of his career. Watchpoints going forward include workload management, year-over-year performance stability and how Skenes and the organization leverage this moment commercially and competitively.<\/p>\n<h2>Sources<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/nypost.com\/2025\/11\/12\/sports\/paul-skenes-livvy-dunne-handled-cy-young-announcement-like-pros\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New York Post<\/a> \u2014 (news outlet; primary coverage of the celebration)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/MLB\">MLB (X account)<\/a> \u2014 (official league social media post)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/oliviadunne\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Olivia Dunne Instagram<\/a> \u2014 (personal social posts and stories)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.post-gazette.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pittsburgh Post-Gazette<\/a> \u2014 (local newspaper; source for 2023 relationship confirmation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/article>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Paul Skenes was named the 2025 National League Cy Young on Nov. 12, 2025, and celebrated the honor alongside girlfriend Olivia \u201cLivvy\u201d Dunne in a subdued, polished moment that played out on social media. The unanimous vote capped a season in which Skenes posted a 1.97 ERA with 216 strikeouts, 11 homers allowed and 42 &#8230; <a title=\"Skenes, Dunne Keep Cool as Pirates Ace Wins 2025 NL Cy Young\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/skenes-dunne-cy-young\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Skenes, Dunne Keep Cool as Pirates Ace Wins 2025 NL Cy Young\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4300,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_title":"Skenes Wins 2025 NL Cy Young; Dunne Reacts - Insight","rank_math_description":"Paul Skenes won the 2025 NL Cy Young unanimously (1.97 ERA, 216 K in 32 starts). Olivia Dunne shared celebration moments as the couple marked the award on Nov. 12, 2025.","rank_math_focus_keyword":"Paul Skenes, Olivia Dunne, Cy Young, Pittsburgh Pirates, 2025","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-4304","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4304","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4304"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4304\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4300"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4304"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4304"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/readtrends.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4304"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}